Jonathan Fairbanks and Clyde Edwin Tuck

Past and Present of Greene County, Missouri

Early and Recent History and Genealogical Records
of Many of the Representative Citizens

GEORGE E. RAYMOND. Perhaps as much suffering has been caused in this world of ours from inadequate heating facilities as from any other cause. This was especially true in the earlier ages before mankind had evolved modern methods. Even what we now call old-fashioned fireplaces were not thought of until comparatively recent epochs in history. For centuries they were very crude affairs; even the chimneys of the log cabins built by the first settlers of our country less than a century ago were made of poles and clay or mud, and later, when houses contained several rooms, all but one of them were without any method of heating, for but one fireplace, as a rule, was to be found in a home, some of the wealthier classes having two, perhaps. Then stoves became generally used, but many rooms were still left without heat, few caring to go to the expense and trouble of keeping the entire house properly warmed during the winter months. So mankind has undergone a great deal of physical discomfort and downright suffering, especially among the poor of nearly all countries for lack of heat in their dwelling places. But with modern methods, such as are installed by the Raymond Heating Company, of Springfield, people are now making themselves more comfortable during the cold months, entire buildings, no matter how large, being kept warm continuously from one central source, so that the rigors of the long northern winters are now without their terrors, even farmers throughout the country enjoying their furnace heat, which is distributed over their modernly appointed houses in the form of hot air, steam or warm water.

George E. Raymond, head of the above named company, has long been engaged in this line of endeavor and understands thoroughly every phase of modern heating, and he is one of the well known and successful business men of Springfield, where he has resided nearly a half century. He was born in Pekin, New York, July 8, 1861, and is a son of Joseph P. and Elizabeth (Bromley) Raymond, both natives of New York state, the father born in 1820 and the mother in 1818. They grew to maturity in their native state, received limited educations in the common schools and were married there. When a young man Joseph P. Raymond learned the shoemaker's trade, which he always followed for a livelihood. He removed from New York with his family to Springfield, Missouri, in the fall of 1868, and here spent the rest of his life, dying in 1887, and here his wife died in 1880. They were parents of five children, namely: Emmett B. lives in Los Angeles, California; Bedten S., deceased; Mary J., deceased; William B. lives in Springfield, Mo., and George E., subject of this sketch.

Mr. Raymond of this review was seven years of age when he came with the family to Springfield, Missouri, and here he grew to manhood and was educated in the common schools. When a young man he went to Ohio and served an apprenticeship in a tinshop at Dayton, returning to Springfield a few years later, where he finished learning his trade, and here he worked at the same until 1887, when he went into business for himself on South street, establishing a heating and sheet metal works, continuing to the present time with ever increasing success until he enjoys a very extensive and lucrative business as a result of his close application and good judgment and his fair dealings with the public. In 1900 his son, Clyde, formed a partnership with him and the firm name became the Raymond Heating Company, and their plant at 219-221 West Walnut street is one of the best of its kind in the Southwest, equipped with up-to-date appliances of all kinds, and skilled work is promptly done, a specialty being made of warm air heating and ventilating and sheet metalwork.

Mr. Raymond was married July 12, 1881, in Springfield to Milicient Ewers, who was born in Knox county, Ohio, October 4, 1861. She is a daughter of Orrilla and William G. Ewers, both natives of Ohio, where they grew up, were married and educated and established their home. They are both now deceased. Mrs. Raymond was nine years old when, in 1870 her parents removed with her to Springfield, Missouri, and here she grew to womanhood and received a common school education. The Ewers home was established on the north side.

To Mr. and Mrs. Raymond only one child was born, G. Clyde Raymond, whose birth occurred April 11, 1883, in this city, and here he grew tip and was educated. He married Georgia Davis. He is in business with his father, as before stated, and is a young man of enterprise and ability.

Politically, Mr. Raymond is a Democrat. Fraternally, he belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Pythias and the Royal Arch Masons. He is an associate member of the Springfield Club. He has always borne an excellent reputation in local business circles.